At NMU, Learning is Evergreen

Sarah took a break from her post-secondary education to focus on her family.  She ultimately took an interest in cybersecurity as a growing career.  She became acquainted with the U.P. Cybersecurity Institute at NMU and ultimately achieved several industry-endorsed credentials.  Sarah decided to pursue her degree in Industry Assurance and Cyber Defense and graduated in 2024.  Along her academic journey at NMU, she interned with industry partner Northcross Group, which opened a satellite office in Marquette in 2020.  Sarah now works at Northcross Group’s Marquette office as a Cybersecurity and Program Analyst and recently achieved her M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western  Governors University.  She has been a regular collaborator with NMU cyber initiatives, including as a guest speaker and mentor to K-12 career exploration events like YooperCon.

Rachel came to NMU to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Workplace Leadership after achieving her Associate’s at Grand Rapids Community College.  Drawn to the U.P. based on her love of outdoor recreational pursuits, she ultimately enrolled in NMU’s Master’s program in Outdoor Recreation and Administration as part of the NMU Rural Leadership Fellowship Program.  Through her fellowship she was paired with the Village of Laurium to support the development of a five-year recreation plan.  This project was a major priority for the village and will help to enable public funding eligibility to transform public park and recreation sites, such as the Gipp Ice Arena, ball fields, and other public recreation access areas.  Rachel completed her Master’s in December, 2025 and is still employed with LSCP while also supporting other community development projects, such as Forsyth.

 An Ishpeming native, Jess completed her degree at Northern and set off to Hawaii for a career as a professional photographer.  After returning to Marquette, Jess continued a successful wedding photography business while bartending.  She ultimately reignited her passion for veterinary medicine and re-attended NMU to bolster her application.  She is now a second-year student at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and plans to return to the U.P. to practice after graduation.

With a laser focus on a career in the ski industry, P.J. attended Gogebic Community College to achieve his Associate’s Degree in Ski Area Management.  After spending some time working at resorts out west, he enrolled at Northern to complete his bachelor’s degree in SAM and is now a successful sales manager for TechnoAlpin, a global leader in snowmaking technology.